Rare Terra Cotta Large-Sized Sphinx with Head of Woman, 18th Century

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About the Item

Rare large-sized Sphinx with head of woman terra cotta 18th century circa 1770. Measures: H 106, W 53, D141 cm. Terra cotta large-sized Sphinx with head of woman (between 1770 and 1776): The mythological creature, whose two legs rest on a cushion with tassels wears around the neck a medallion in the shape of a curved heart, establishing a parallel with the similar ornaments of fabric draping the croup transversely. In one of his paintings depicting the young Moses saved from the waters (1638), Nicolas Poussin equips the traditional figure of the sphinx with a head of woman. In this direction, the Atticist painter, as cantor of an idealized Arcadie, brings back the miraculous survival of the child to the triumph over the destruction of life, namely the Nile, highlighting the double symbolic system of the sphinx in the ancient statuary. Mythological creature with body of lion and human head, formerly emblematic of the hieroglyphic writing but always feared in spite of its chimerical existence, the sphinx can thus appear at the same time as the insidious spirit which all denies but also like a guardian, protective and vigilant figure in its enigmatic power. The sphinge we are dealing with holds a particular significance as regards the evolution of sculpture from 17th century onwards : initially ambivalent, likely to enduce fear and angst, it looks reassuring and benevolent, always draped in an unfathomable silence as watching noble residences: Its powers transpires through the stone, thus embodying the eternal sovereignty of the enlighted despot. The sculpture which interests us is actually set at the junction of a political manifesto and an aesthetic speech as well as establishing a subtle synthesis of a certain elegance of the interpersonal skills – and between-oneself, whose place of election at the 18th century is eloquent. : parks, in particular royal and princely. If most famous sphynges of 18th which came to us through history are those of the park of Ménars Castle (Loir-et-Cher) represent the marchioness of Pompadour, it is precisely due to the fact the latter not only reigned on the radiation of Fine Arts at the French Court during the reign of Louis XV, but first and foremost breathed life to a timeless representation as a model of philosopher and patron through many artistic achievements, heralded in stone. Hence the exclusive dimension of the sculpture in question: The delicacy of the turned head of quarter, definitely unwitnessed before 1770, the refined development of the hairstyle, the stately demeanour of her smiling face, everything contributes to a natural majesty. Related works: 1. Four sphynges, white marble with heads of women, alledged portraits of Louis XIV’s mistresses. Early 18th century ( H. 80 - W. 40 - 100 cm). Provenance : Mansion in Brittany, Royaumont Castle then Chantilly Castle. Auctions in Drouot, May 8th 1901. 2. Pair of sphynges known as "Pompadour," Park and Ménars Castle (Loir-et-Cher). 3. Pair of sphynges with a child, terra cotta, mid-18th century. (H. 75 – L. 90 – D. 45 cm) Provenance: Sotheby's December 2008. 4. Pair of sphynges, Sèvres Manufactory portraying the Comtesse du Barry, circa 1780 ( L.10 – D.16 -H.14cm). 5. Sphynges in Chiswick House Park, Burlington Lane, West London, circa 1730. Photography: Derry Moore. Bibliography: • Dictionnaire du costume et de ses accessoires, des armes et des étoffes des origines à nos jours de LELOIR, M., Paris, SPADEM et Librairie Gründ, 1992, p. 97. • Madame de Pompadour et les arts, catalogue d’exposition, sous la dir. de Xavier Salmon, Versailles, Musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon, 14 février - 19 mai 2002, Paris, RMN, 2002. • FURCY-RAYNAUD, "Inventaire des sculptures exécutées au XVIIIe siècle par la direction des bâtiments du roi," Archives de l’art français, tome XIV, Paris, 1927. • Nicolas Poussin, les Tableaux du Louvre, Paris, SOMOGY Editions d'art, 2015, de PIERRE ROSENBERG.

Dimensions:
Height: 41.74 in (106 cm)Width: 20.87 in (53 cm)Depth: 55.52 in (141 cm)
Style:
Louis XVI (Of the Period)
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
1770-1779
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1770
Condition:
Recent restoration Various colors of patina.
Seller Location:
Saint-Ouen, FR
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU200734877253